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Sunday, 3 June 2018

How To Overcome Depression Quickly

(Free Image: Pixabay)

Depression can be devastating and is very different from just feeling unhappy. Dealing with depression requires action, but taking action when you’re depressed can be hard. Sometimes, just thinking about the things you should do to feel better, like exercising or spending time with friends, can seem exhausting or impossible to put into action. Usually, there is a reason for unhappiness such as being rejected or not getting things to be done. Depression is a universal feeling. Hope disappears and the things you used to find enjoyable become a chore. Even winning the lottery would not break someone out of depression and it is never a good idea to tell someone who is depressed to sort themselves out and pull themselves together.

Taking the first step is always the hardest. But going for a walk or getting up and dancing to your favorite music, for example, is something you can do right now. And it can substantially boost your mood and energy for several hours—long enough to put a second recovery step into action, such as preparing a mood-boosting meal or arranging to meet an old friend. By taking the following small but positive steps day by day, you’ll soon soon lift the heavy fog of depression and find yourself feeling happier, healthier, and more hopeful again.

Here are a few things that we can do to overcome depression:

1. Practice MindfulnessA depressed mind leans towards to consider over all that is wrong and worries unnecessarily about all the negative possibilities that may emerge in the future. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and is a skill that needs to be practiced. Practice on engaging your senses in the moment. Focus on touch, taste, sight, sound and smell. Engaging the senses leaves less time for worry.(See - 7 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power)

2. ExerciseExercise releases endorphins which improve natural immunity and improve mood. Regular exercise has benefits for helping to overcome depression. Moreover lifting your mood, regular exercise offers other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, cancer and boosting self-esteem. Experts advise getting half an hour to an hour of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking at least three to four times per week.

3. Stop the Damaging Self Talk

Depressed people tend to see the world in an adverse way. When things go wrong they blame themselves and when they go right, they put it down to good fortune. Depression supports self-doubt and feelings of worthlessness. Monitor your inner negative talk and make allowances for this type of thinking by reminding yourself that your thinking is that of a depressed person, not a healthy functioning person. Don’t take your thoughts seriously when you are feeling low. Acknowledge the thoughts but this doesn’t mean you have to believe them. Keep perspective.

4. SocializeOne thing that depression would often have you do is stay inside by yourself and not connect with anyone. While being left to your own devices, you will inevitably ruminate on all of the things that feel awful about your life and you will downward spiral further.

Often when you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell, but being around other people will make you feel less depressed. Meet up with friends or family members. Meet up with anyone who cares about you. Meet up with anyone who makes you laugh.

5. Listen Cheerful MusicA cheerful tune can change the atmosphere instantly and create a more positive vibe. Listening to upbeat, happy music alters brain chemistry and can improve your mood.

6. Get Quality SleepIf you’re drinking too much coffee, isolating yourself indoors, and only sleeping for an hour a night, it is absolutely natural that you’ll feel terrible within a week (whether you categorize yourself as depressed or not).

Sleep is when we recharge at the deepest level. This is when we regenerate and rest. Do whatever you need to prioritize high quality sleep.

7. Stop OverthinkingOverthinking prevents you from taking action. It consumes
your energy, disables your ability to make decisions, and puts you on a loop of
thinking and thinking over and again. Overthinking is one of the biggest
reasons of depression. (See here - What is Overthinking and How To Stop It )

8. Write in a JournalUse
a journal to write down fears and worries. This will help you to understand
that – what’s happening with your mind.

9. Forgive Others

When we hold a complaint, we are the
ones that feel the anger. Don’t allow others to have this power over you. They
have may have caused you pain in the past, try not to allow that sorrow to
continue – it only affects you, not them. Find a way to forgive – they are not
worthy of your time. Reduce the emotional burden and you will improve your mood
and help you to overcome depression.

10. Don’t give up

Depression
can be well managed (I know this from personal experience) and there can be a
wonderful life beyond depression. Hang in there and keep the faith.

Although the above suggestions can
be effective, depression that insists should be examined further and seeing a
Doctor to talk over any symptoms is a step in the right way.

Do the above, even a few times per week
and your brain will overcome depression. And remember… there’s no reason to be
too hard on yourself to rush through this process. Depressive experiences often
have great things to teach us.

And if you enjoyed this post, you’ll
likely also love reading.

Devoted to your success,

Do you know someone who is suffering
from depression? Make sure to share this article with them, or share this
article on your social media. You never know who might be hurting more than
they’re letting on.